Review Mini Paceman 2014



MINI Paceman is the first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact segment. Its powerful, dynamically stretched coupé lines and hallmark MINI go-kart feeling team up with the exclusive ambience of its variable-usage interior to make the MINI Paceman a pioneer in the urban environment - and one whose character is vividly imbued with the innovative and inimitable style of the British premium brand. With its two doors and large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats, the seventh model in the MINI family complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior.

Design: powerful stature, sporty and elegant coupé lines.

The innovative concept of a compact Sports Activity Coupé is expressed in an exterior design that faithfully embodies the MINI Paceman's multifaceted driving properties within the template of the established MINI design language. The front end exudes muscularity and presence, while dynamically sweeping lines and powerfully curved surfaces lace the flanks of the car with sporting elegance. The coupé-style roof, swooping downwards towards the rear, sits almost seamlessly atop the passenger compartment and its distinctive contours fit neatly into the coupé mould. The most eye-catching new feature of the rear end are the taillights which, in a first for MINI, feature a horizontal design.

Interior: exclusive ambience, impressive variability.

The MINI Paceman has been designed squarely as a four-seater. Sports seats for the driver and front passenger are included as standard, and the pair of individual seats in the rear offer impressive shoulder room and headroom, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort. The side window controls, meanwhile, are integrated into the prominently three-dimensional door trim. The high-opening tailgate of the MINI Paceman and its low boot sill allow the luggage area to be accessed in comfort. Load capacity stands at 330 litres, increasing to 1,080 litres when the rear seat backrests are folded down.

The drivetrain: powerful engines, optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

The MINI Paceman is available in four powerful and efficient petrol and diesel variants from launch, ranging from the MINI Cooper D Paceman (82 kW/112 hp) and MINI Cooper Paceman (90 kW/122 hp) to the MINI Cooper SD Paceman (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Paceman (135 kW/184 hp). Plans are in place to add a MINI John Cooper Works Paceman variant to the range in due course. The Sports Activity Coupé is the second model - after the MINI Countryman - which customers can order with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as an option.

The chassis: a new take on the go-kart feeling.

The MINI Paceman's cutting-edge chassis - consisting of a MacPherson spring strut front axle and forged cross members in tandem with a multi-link rear axle - underpins its hallmark MINI agility. The new model comes as standard with lowered sports suspension and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Electric Power Steering with standard Servotronic function likewise enhances the ever-present go-kart feeling on board the MINI Paceman.

Comprehensive safety equipment and high-quality comfort-enhancing features.

The high torsional rigidity of the MINI Paceman's body plays an important role in both its agile handling and its impressive passive safety. Its standard-fitted safety arsenal includes front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. All seats are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts. Front seat occupants will also find belt tensioners and belt force limiters, while in the rear ISOFIX child seat attachments are in place should they be required.

The body: powerful stature, elegantly sporty coupé lines.

Traditional MINI design cues, such as the black bordering on the lower edge of the body, the side indicator surround on the diagonal link between the A-pillar and front wheel arch, and the clear three-level split of body, passenger compartment and roof, point - in a distinctive Paceman way - to their MINI family ties. The front end, for example, exudes power and presence thanks to its large, distinctively shaped headlights, strikingly sculptured bonnet and upright hexagonal radiator grille, which is framed on the MINI Paceman by a particularly broad chrome surround.

Entertainment programme and communications options on demand.

The selection of entertainment and communications options in the MINI Paceman can also be tailored precisely to individual requirements. The standard radio MINI CD audio system comes with five loudspeakers, an MP3-compatible CD player and an AUX-IN socket. Among the features included as part of the optional radio MINI Boost CD, meanwhile, are an on-board computer and a two-line display in the Centre Speedo.

The radio MINI Visual Boost and MINI navigation system link up with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution colour display in the Centre Speedo and Bluetooth hands-free functionality including a USB audio interface. The maps for the MINI navigation system are stored on the car's built-in flash memory device. The USB audio interface allows mobile devices to be integrated into the car and functions supported by them to be activated and operated in customary MINI style via the car's display and the joystick on the centre console. These features include audio streaming via Bluetooth, display of album cover artwork and video files on the on-board monitor, and innovative office functions. Customers can also order a voice control system for the telephone and navigation functions. And an even more intense audio experience is available courtesy of the Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system with 10 loudspeakers and 640-watt amplifier.

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